Missouri CAN Network Connection September 2017

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2 AWARENESS A Day in the Life» Raising Awareness of Poverty and Inspiring Agents of Change through Poverty Simulation Playing the role of a 19-year-old mother (see the baby in her arm), Patricia Carter is rejected for a loan while seeking to meet the needs of her family during a poverty simulation in Mexico, MO. IN A WORLD OF ACRONYMS, what is CAPS? It is Community Action Poverty Simulation, a dynamic, interactive educational program designed to raise awareness about the realities of poverty and inspire agents of change. Upon arrival to a simulation, participants adopt a new identity when given a short description of their circumstances and directives to meet the basic needs of their families. And a name. Each identity is based on a real story of a Community Action Agency client. Participants are also reminded that this is no game for millions of impoverished people across the world. Throughout four 15-minute weeks, participants navigate areas representing community institutions to ensure their family is housed, well-fed and healthy. But faced with limited resources and frustrating bureaucracy, participants often scramble to meet their weekly needs. This visceral experience, which mimics the stress and structural barriers low-income people face, translates into applicable knowledge and attitudinal change during a facilitated group debrief when the simulation concludes. History and Growth Poverty Simulation has played a key role in advancing the Network s goal of engaging community members in anti-poverty advocacy since purchased the Poverty Simulation copyright in Interest from diverse organizations outside of Community Action including school districts, universities, hospitals, churches, and city councils has grown rapidly and organically after the CAPS kit first became available for purchase in Today, 1,451 CAPS kits have been sold in the US and 42 internationally. also equips kit owners with the necessary skills for CAPS curriculum implementation at 2-day trainings in St. Louis and Kansas City. In 2017, nearly 160 facilitators were trained. With a new CAPS Manager, the Network is beginning to travel for on-site group trainings. The Run! 5k was in Missouri s capital, Jefferson City, with more than 90 runners and walkers participating. A Runaway Success» Run! Raises Funds and Community Action Awareness IN OCTOBER 2016, launched its first 5k run and walk to increase awareness of poverty, weatherzation in Missouri, and Community Action. More than 90 runners and walkers participated in the event sponsored by Shoe Carnival, Panera, McDonald s, and others. Funds raised were directed to Building Performance Institute training scholarships for home weatherization. 2 Network Connection

3 ADVOCACY Jeanie Smallwood and Mindy Garrett of Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri showcased the agency s work in the 5-county area, highlighting weatherization with insulation-footed special guest Will Work. Advocacy Day 2017» ON MARCH 1, approximately 80 members of the Missouri Community Action Network gathered at the Missouri state capitol to advocate for Community Action programs across the state. Community Action members participated in a rally, met with legislators, and showcased their innovative agency programs through exhibits during the event. Roundtable Breakfast Series» Sharing the Impact of Community Action Powerful messaging about the Community Action movement is more important than ever with Community Services Block Grant funding currently under attack. To ensure the stakeholders of our Network know the value of Community Action, the Missouri Community Action Directors Association (MCADA) is hosting a roundtable-style discussion with CAA Executive Directors, legislators, and state department leaders over breakfast. The first gathering in May included national legislators and their staff, and the July event included leadership from the Division of Energy and the Division of Workforce Development within the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Upcoming events will include the Missouri Department of Social Services, the Governor s office, and state legislators. CSBG Funding IN MAY 2017, nearly all 19 Missouri Community Action Agencies responded to the NCAF call for statements, statistics and client success stories highlighting the importance of CSBG funding. subsequently compiled the information and submitted more than 60 documents, stories, and letters of support to NCAF, and it is now preparing a formal CSBG Impact Statement for national senators and representatives. 3 Network Connection 2017 Legislative Session» IN THE MOST RECENT SESSION, tracked 78 bills and supported critical program funding that would impact low-income families and Community Action services throughout Missouri. The Network advocated on behalf of the following issues, resulting in legislative wins: Restoration of language allowing for a transfer of LIHEAP dollars to weatherize homes Preservation of $3.5 million for early childhood education programs, including Early Head Start Reauthorization of the MORx prescription drug assistance program for seniors and disabled Missourians Missouri Community Action Network also advocated for Medicaid expansion as well as the State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC was introduced in both the House and Senate, but it did not make it to the floor for a House vote and did not make it out of the Senate committee. Missouri CAN has joined a state EITC coalition and will continue to educate and seek support for a state EITC.

4 NETWORK CAPACITY BY THE NUMBERS Training & Technical Assistance» 945 in-person by via webinar by via Moodle Angela Hirsch of Central Missouri Community Action and Eric Green of Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City participated in Community Action Olympics during s 2017 conference. Development» 2017 Annual Conference NEARLY 300 CAA AND OTHER NON-PROFIT STAFF gathered April 4-6 for Becoming One Community Action the annual conference in Springfield, MO. The event featured 20 workshops and two keynote speakers, author Mia Birdsong and Springfield City Manager Greg Burris. During an awards luncheon, 20 Outstanding Community Service Award recipients were recognized, and Marye Sanderson of West Central Missouri Community Action Agency was honored with the Charles Braithwait Leadership Award. Conference attendees raised $4,267 for the National Community Action Foundation and $417 for a local charity in northwestern Missouri. is grateful for the five sponsors and 23 exhibitors who made the conference possible. Membership Matters» Biennial Campaign Grows Network MISSOURI CAN OFFERS staff from its Community Action Agencies the option to become individual members of the Network. CAA staff remit a small percentage of their salary to become members, and in return, receive multiple benefits including discounts with Six Flags, Silver Dollar City and AT&T. Of the 3,500 staff employed by Missouri s Community Action Agencies, more than 1,000 are members. To encourage individual membership, organizes a membership drive every two years. The most recent campaign I CAN, We CAN, ran from December 15, 2016 to March 15, Membership increased by 149 new members. 4 Network Connection Development» FDC instructors certified Alliance meetings New CCAPs Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer candidates Agencies piloting the Nationally Certified ROMA Implementer Certification 64 FDC workers credentialed CA agencies engaged in FDC CA professionals completed the Missouri Academy for Leadership & Community Action 301 Alliance attendees

5 CALENDAR Calendar» Pencil In These Upcoming Community Action Network Events September 13 MCADA Meeting / Office September 14 Board Meeting / Office September 27 Organizational Standards Software / Office October 10 CCAP Class #1 / Office October MCADA Retreat / Old Kinderhook, Camdenton October 17 Resource Development Alliance (RDPA) / Office October 18 Energy and Housing Alliance (EHPA) / Office October 19 Committee to Keep Missourians Warm Meeting / Office October Outreach Managers Alliance (OMPA) / Office November 1 CCAP Class #2 / Office November 2 Internal ROMA Consultants Alliance (IRCPA) / Office November 8 MCADA Meeting / Office November 9 Board Meeting / Office November 10 Veteran s Day / Office Closed October Information Technology Alliance (ITPA) / OACAC, Springfield At, our mission is to advocate for low-income Missourians and strengthen the Community Action Network. We envision a state where all people and communities thrive. 5 Network Connection